T350 or T350T Advice please
Discussion
Thinking about buying a 2004 T350 or T350T and have abou £ 22k to spend. I have recently sold my S2 Exige and was wondering if any one else here has made this move and can help advise me on the following;
a) It a T350 or T350T going to be much more expensive to run compared to an Exige?
b) Is the T350 or T350T reliable compared to an Exige?
c) What are the known problems on the T350 or T350T and what sort of costs are involved if you get them?
d) What are the servicing costs on T350 or T350T?
e) What are the running costs on T350 or T350T doing 8000 miles a year?
f) What sort of mileage do you get out of the tyres? What are the replacement costs?
g) What sort MPG do you get? not expecting it to be that great.
h) How different is the T350 or T350T compared to an Exige?
i) Does the T350 or T350T suffer from rattles?
j) What is the build quality like compared to the Exige and older models of TVR?
k) Any known problems with the roof pannels on the T350t?
l) Any other advice or info?
a) It a T350 or T350T going to be much more expensive to run compared to an Exige?
b) Is the T350 or T350T reliable compared to an Exige?
c) What are the known problems on the T350 or T350T and what sort of costs are involved if you get them?
d) What are the servicing costs on T350 or T350T?
e) What are the running costs on T350 or T350T doing 8000 miles a year?
f) What sort of mileage do you get out of the tyres? What are the replacement costs?
g) What sort MPG do you get? not expecting it to be that great.
h) How different is the T350 or T350T compared to an Exige?
i) Does the T350 or T350T suffer from rattles?
j) What is the build quality like compared to the Exige and older models of TVR?
k) Any known problems with the roof pannels on the T350t?
l) Any other advice or info?
a) It a T350 or T350T going to be much more expensive to run compared to an Exige?
Probably not. Insurance is OK with the right companies and servicing is every 6k.
b) Is the T350 or T350T reliable compared to an Exige?
Never owned an Exige, but they're probably equal. Others have owned Lotuses and I'm sure will comment.
c) What are the known problems on the T350 or T350T and what sort of costs are involved if you get them?
Mainly electrical sensors. Oil pressure, speedo etc. all easy to replace. Check the dash pod and air con/fans work properly.
d) What are the servicing costs on T350 or T350T?
6k = £600
12k = £1000
e) What are the running costs on T350 or T350T doing 8000 miles a year?
1 service, half a set of tyres and fuel at 22-24mpg average.
f) What sort of mileage do you get out of the tyres? What are the replacement costs?
My rears last 14k including track days. My fronts are still on the car and only half worn. Light car, and you don't need to spin the wheels to have fun.
g) What sort MPG do you get? not expecting it to be that great.
22-24mpg in normal driving. 29 once on a long run at 90mph.
h) How different is the T350 or T350T compared to an Exige?
A lot more practical with the hatchback and general easy-to-driveness
i) Does the T350 or T350T suffer from rattles?
No. Modern TVRs were pretty well built. Any noises are usually something that needs looking at (worn bush etc.)
j) What is the build quality like compared to the Exige and older models of TVR?
About the same.
k) Any known problems with the roof pannels on the T350t?
There were 2 versions. The early model has clips on the sides and suffers from lift at speed. The later version has clips front and rear and is a bit quieter. They don't leak though.
l) Any other advice or info?
Drive one, then decide whether you want targa or coupe. Buy on condition - build quality did not change THAT much between 2004 and 2006. Major engine work is not a bad thing.
Always see how the owner treats the car. As I'm sure you know, all cars should be warmed fully before full beans are applied. This is even more important with the Speed Six engine.
Do not be afraid to buy privately - you can take out a warranty (search archives for info).
Probably not. Insurance is OK with the right companies and servicing is every 6k.
b) Is the T350 or T350T reliable compared to an Exige?
Never owned an Exige, but they're probably equal. Others have owned Lotuses and I'm sure will comment.
c) What are the known problems on the T350 or T350T and what sort of costs are involved if you get them?
Mainly electrical sensors. Oil pressure, speedo etc. all easy to replace. Check the dash pod and air con/fans work properly.
d) What are the servicing costs on T350 or T350T?
6k = £600
12k = £1000
e) What are the running costs on T350 or T350T doing 8000 miles a year?
1 service, half a set of tyres and fuel at 22-24mpg average.
f) What sort of mileage do you get out of the tyres? What are the replacement costs?
My rears last 14k including track days. My fronts are still on the car and only half worn. Light car, and you don't need to spin the wheels to have fun.
g) What sort MPG do you get? not expecting it to be that great.
22-24mpg in normal driving. 29 once on a long run at 90mph.
h) How different is the T350 or T350T compared to an Exige?
A lot more practical with the hatchback and general easy-to-driveness
i) Does the T350 or T350T suffer from rattles?
No. Modern TVRs were pretty well built. Any noises are usually something that needs looking at (worn bush etc.)
j) What is the build quality like compared to the Exige and older models of TVR?
About the same.
k) Any known problems with the roof pannels on the T350t?
There were 2 versions. The early model has clips on the sides and suffers from lift at speed. The later version has clips front and rear and is a bit quieter. They don't leak though.
l) Any other advice or info?
Drive one, then decide whether you want targa or coupe. Buy on condition - build quality did not change THAT much between 2004 and 2006. Major engine work is not a bad thing.
Always see how the owner treats the car. As I'm sure you know, all cars should be warmed fully before full beans are applied. This is even more important with the Speed Six engine.
Do not be afraid to buy privately - you can take out a warranty (search archives for info).
Snapper7 said:
a) How much more expensive is an Exige over an Elise? (My) T350 is twice as expensive as (my) Elise
b) Reliability is about the same
c) Engine probs. Post 05' meant to be stonger. Pre '05 (on your budget) look for top end engine work. This is a GOOD thing. Small stuff like sensors and niggly electrics
d) At a good Indy servicing at 6k = £3-400; 12k = £6-800, add another 50% at (ex!) main dealer
e) Budget £2-3k pa
f) Tyres? Depends how you drive it. Approax £150 per corner
g) 20-25 mpg
h) Drive is more challenging/less forgiving than Elise. Power @ 4k+ rpm is awesome
i) Dosn't rattle more less than a Lotus. Both hand built British cars!
j) I have an '03 C and have had no issues
k) Yes, see threads, but not anywhere near legal speeds
l) Any other advice or info?
After 5 years with an Elise the compromises became too wearing - more so in an Exige I guess? What is it Lotus say: 'Its not how fast it how your heart beats in a few seconds'? With a T car you get both
Oh finally, and most importantly, the sound as you put your foot down is priceless. Also have to say after first 10 months the TVR community is brilliant. There's also news of comprehensive parts supply from Motorpart coming on stream about now. Go to a regional meet and have a look/chat first. Don't pay over the odds.
b) Reliability is about the same
c) Engine probs. Post 05' meant to be stonger. Pre '05 (on your budget) look for top end engine work. This is a GOOD thing. Small stuff like sensors and niggly electrics
d) At a good Indy servicing at 6k = £3-400; 12k = £6-800, add another 50% at (ex!) main dealer
e) Budget £2-3k pa
f) Tyres? Depends how you drive it. Approax £150 per corner
g) 20-25 mpg
h) Drive is more challenging/less forgiving than Elise. Power @ 4k+ rpm is awesome
i) Dosn't rattle more less than a Lotus. Both hand built British cars!
j) I have an '03 C and have had no issues
k) Yes, see threads, but not anywhere near legal speeds
l) Any other advice or info?
After 5 years with an Elise the compromises became too wearing - more so in an Exige I guess? What is it Lotus say: 'Its not how fast it how your heart beats in a few seconds'? With a T car you get both
Oh finally, and most importantly, the sound as you put your foot down is priceless. Also have to say after first 10 months the TVR community is brilliant. There's also news of comprehensive parts supply from Motorpart coming on stream about now. Go to a regional meet and have a look/chat first. Don't pay over the odds.Edited by earlyriser on Friday 16th November 20:43
Edited by earlyriser on Friday 16th November 20:44
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